REGINA, Sask. — Tomorrow marks the launch of Culture Days, Canada’s biggest celebration of art, culture and heritage.
The celebration, in its 17th year thanks to funding from Sask Lotteries, runs from Sept. 18 to Oct. 4, offering everyone a chance to enjoy arts and cultural experiences for fee. Culture Days events and activities can be found online at culturedays.ca
This year’s celebration features everything from a traditional Nigerian mock wedding, a paddle board migration experience and live performances, to painting and dance workshops. Hundreds of indoor, outdoor and online activities and events bring together local artists, cultural workers, volunteers, organizers, participants and arts, culture and heritage organizations.
“Arts, culture and heritage activities build strong, meaningful and lasting connections when people come together in communities,” says Dean Kush, CEO of SaskCulture and member of the National Culture Days board of directors.
“Not only does Culture Days unite people and build lasting year-long connections, the celebration allows people to discover a creative outlet, while local artists and cultural workers get the opportunity to showcase their talents.”
Culture Days embodies the growing cultural diversity of Saskatchewan and commemorates the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30). The Culture Days website highlights registered events and activities promoting truth and reconciliation. These opportunities, and others held during Culture Days, provide a way for people and their families to engage with cultural activity in their communities.
The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed Sept. 18 to Oct. 4 as Culture Days in Saskatchewan.
“Saskatchewan's strength is reflected in the many cultures and traditions that shape our communities,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said.
“We are fortunate to have a vibrant arts, culture and heritage sector in our province. Made up of talented individuals and organizations, it not only contributes to our great quality of life; but this sector also brings us closer together. Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of diverse cultural groups is reflected in the recently enacted The From Many Peoples, Strength Act. Thank you to SaskCulture and all the organizations taking part in Culture Days around the province.”
SaskCulture continues to take a lead role in the Culture Days delivery in Saskatchewan through its Hub Sponsorship program, funded by Sask Lotteries. This support has helped many cultural organizations, community groups and individuals organize Culture Days events and activities, create cultural awareness and advance truth and reconciliation in their communities across the province.
This year’s Culture Days Hubs include: Battleford, Beauval, Climax, Eastend, Fort Qu’Appelle, Gravelbourg, Hazlet, Humboldt, Lafleche, La Ronge, Leader, Lloydminster, Lumsden, Melfort, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Porcupine Plain, Regina, Swift Current, Silton, Saskatoon, Sturgis, Willow Bunch, Weyburn, Warman and Yorkton.
Kush encourages people to “Create, engage and connect to the arts, culture and heritage communities during Culture Days by attending an event and experiencing culture in Saskatchewan.”
